German New Hampshire

[steelefarming]

Yes, but I can't ship them. I'm near Philadelphia PA, where are you?

I'm in eastern ky

 

[KJaguar]

This is my New Hampshire Rooster Goliath. Weighed him today.32 weeks old and 14.5 pounds. He is missing some tail and wing feathers from his constant battles with my other rooster. Im currently using him for breeding with some really large new hamp hens.

 

[Ifish]

14.5 lbs?

I've never heard of a NH that large. What is your goal in breeding him?

 

[KJaguar]

The hens im currently using are all around 10 pounds.they all just started laying so im incubating some eggs soon.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Is there a way to sex New Hampshires (by colour) from day 1 after hatching? I noticed two of my chicks have darker backs compared to the others and I am wondering if that could be a hint. These are not hatchery stock I am talking about.

Just thought I'd ask.

 

[gjensen]

Is there a way to sex New Hampshires (by colour) from day 1 after hatching? I noticed two of my chicks have darker backs compared to the others and I am wondering if that could be a hint. These are not hatchery stock I am talking about.

Just thought I'd ask.

No. There is no reliable way to sex them until they begin to mature.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Is there a way to sex New Hampshires (by colour) from day 1 after hatching? I noticed two of my chicks have darker backs compared to the others and I am wondering if that could be a hint. These are not hatchery stock I am talking about.


Just thought I'd ask.

No. There is no reliable way to sex them until they begin to mature.

Oh okay. Must be my darker hen's genetics coming through. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ifish]

Well, chicks are right about 4 weeks old and doing well. Tried to get some brooder pics but they are blurry.

Here's a nice cockerel. There are a couple others that are very close in size to him, but this one is heavier.






A nice pullet.





Hoping to move them out into the coop in a week or so, and separate the cockerels from pullets as I can sex them. I'm not sure if I should leg band the heavy cockerel and larger heavier pullets now, or wait for another month before I start that. I'll be growing out the culled cockerels for the table and the pullets for the egg house anyhow.

Any suggestions on whether I should start marking the ones faster to mature? The larger, heavier birds now are also the ones to feather faster, but all have feathered faster than any of the chickens I have owned before. There is not much difference in the feathering of all the chicks at this point.

 

[gjensen]

Well, chicks are right about 4 weeks old and doing well. Tried to get some brooder pics but they are blurry.

Here's a nice cockerel. There are a couple others that are very close in size to him, but this one is heavier.






A nice pullet.





Hoping to move them out into the coop in a week or so, and separate the cockerels from pullets as I can sex them. I'm not sure if I should leg band the heavy cockerel and larger heavier pullets now, or wait for another month before I start that. I'll be growing out the culled cockerels for the table and the pullets for the egg house anyhow.

Any suggestions on whether I should start marking the ones faster to mature? The larger, heavier birds now are also the ones to feather faster, but all have feathered faster than any of the chickens I have owned before. There is not much difference in the feathering of all the chicks at this point.

They do have decent size for four weeks, and nicely feathered. The lone cockerel looks to be a little over a pound. You have managed them well.

I would wait before I did any marking. I track them to know, but withhold judgment until about 8wks. Then again at 12. I would suggest continuing to track them, know who is who, but fully evaluate them once they have finally molted into their adult feather and have "finished". Especially on your first batch, and you are getting a feel for them.

NHs were noted for their very fast feathering in their day, and should be now. These do, and is appropriate. Birds that feather in faster are converting less energy maintaining body temperature. Birds that do, can use a little extra protein early as to not distract too much from the rate they grow. A lot of protein goes into all of that feather.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

@Ifish I always appreciate seeing pictures so thanks for posting them.

What is your goal here? Are you trying to pick out show and breeding stock?


Some of the four day olds: